Sewage overflow in the Connecticut River, what does it mean?

communities along the Connecticut River were told to avoid the water following Memorial Day rainfall due to combined sewer overflow Twi a news reporter dun mlan is live in hoo with current guidance this morning and why the overflows happen Rich Taylor these combined sewer flow sewer overflows happen because surface runoff or rainwater drains off streets and then is combined in the same pipes as the city's sewage system it happens in Holio and a number of other communities up and down the Connecticut River causing that combined overflow to go into the Connecticut River after major rain events these combined sewer systems are designed to release the Overflow into the river rather than having it back up into people's homes that's definitely the preferred option but it isn't great for the river as a recreational resource and a particular bummer in these early days of summer weather the Overflow means that contact with the water within 48 hours of the Overflow could make you sick mostly gastro gastrointestinal illnesses like stomach cramping or diarrhea the most recent overflow was announced Monday evening totaling 6 million gallons for p perspective though the flow rate of the river in Holo at 330 this morning was measured at more than 91,000 gallons per second so it should be totally clear when the advisory ends around 6:00 p.m. tonight working for you live in Holio Duncan mlan 22 News sh